Chippa United defender Justice Chabalala is as frank a footballer as they will ever come when he speaks and takes his responsibilities by the scruff of the neck.
Chabalala has now spent a decade in the professional game, during which he had the thrills of an impressive debut season at Free State Stars, which gave birth to his move to Orlando Pirates.
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His stay at Bucs didn't blossom and led to loan moves to Chippa, Bloemfontein Celtic and Sekhukhune United.
The 32-year-old is now back settled in Gqeberha.
"Maintaining my presence in the professional ranks is about respect, which I didn't learn from anyone," says Chabalala.
"Naturally, I'm like this, so I start with the respect first… Respect is about doing the good things and supporting whether you are playing or not playing.
"Whenever things are bad, but keep on pushing, training, coming early.
"You drink, you know what time to drink.
"You know when it is not the time to drink… you step aside.
"I'm not scared to say that I drink.
"I'm a senior player.
"I drink, but I know the time to drink.
"I have been playing football for so long and I never came to work drunk.
"So, that is why I think it is important for me that they (younger players) must learn how to drink so that they can survive in football," he explains, while giving his family background.
"I remember I used to go to school without shoes (barefoot) and I was okay even though others had school shoes.
"Through football, I have been able to help my mother, my father, built a house, and everything that they need is sorted.
"We are five at home and I'm the only one working.
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"My father and mother are old now, my brother gets piece jobs, and I also have to look after my sister and younger brother.
"I also have my wife and kids, so I think that maybe that is why I survive because I support my family and happy to put food on the table and make them know that I'm there for them.
"I also give them advice about the fact that tomorrow I might not be here, so they need to push," says Chabalala, who was speaking after the draw of the 2024 Carling Knockout in Johannesburg on Tuesday afternoon.